England face Sri Lanka in the 2nd ODI at Headingley, Leeds, with England leading the three-match series 1-0 after an 89-run win in the opening game. Check the latest team news, expected playing XI, pitch conditions and key players ahead of the second ODI.
Table of Contents
England vs Sri Lanka 2nd ODI: Match Overview
England take a 1-0 lead into the second ODI after beating Sri Lanka by 89 runs in the opening match at Riverside Ground.
England and Sri Lanka meet again on Thursday, September 24, in the second ODI of their three-match series at Headingley, Leeds. England won the first ODI by 89 runs after scoring 265 all out and then dismissing Sri Lanka for 176 in 37 overs.
Will Jacks was the standout performer in the opening match. He made an unbeaten 46 before producing career-best ODI bowling figures of 5/22. Harry Brook also played an important role with 67, while Sri Lanka’s Dunith Wellalage top-scored in the chase with 45 from 36 balls.
The second ODI gives Sri Lanka an opportunity to level the series, while England will look to build on their winning start. The match also moves to Headingley, where conditions can offer a different challenge from the Riverside surface used in the first game.
England vs Sri Lanka 2nd ODI Match Details
All the key details for the second ODI between England and Sri Lanka at Headingley, Leeds.
The second ODI of the Sri Lanka Tour of England 2026 will be played at Headingley in Leeds on Thursday, September 24, 2026. England enter the match with a 1-0 lead after winning the opening ODI by 89 runs.
| Match | England vs Sri Lanka, 2nd ODI |
|---|---|
| Date | Thursday, 24 September 2026 |
| Time | 12:30 PM Local / 5:00 PM IST |
| Venue | Headingley, Leeds |
| Series | Sri Lanka Tour of England 2026 |
| Format | One Day International (ODI) |
| Series Score | England lead 1-0 |
England vs Sri Lanka 2nd ODI: Series Context
England lead the three-match ODI series 1-0 after a convincing win in the opening game.
England started the ODI series with an 89-run victory over Sri Lanka at Riverside Ground, Chester-le-Street. After being bowled out for 265, England’s bowlers dismissed Sri Lanka for 176 in 37 overs to take a 1-0 lead.
Harry Brook’s 67 provided the foundation with the bat, while Will Jacks produced an outstanding all-round performance. Jacks finished unbeaten on 46 and then claimed 5/22, including three wickets in his final over to complete his maiden ODI five-wicket haul.
Sri Lanka had useful contributions from Kusal Mendis and Dunith Wellalage, but their chase lost momentum after regular wickets fell. The second ODI at Headingley therefore gives Sri Lanka a chance to level the series, while England can move one step closer to a series victory.
| Series | Sri Lanka Tour of England 2026 |
|---|---|
| Matches | 3 ODIs |
| Series Score | England lead 1-0 |
| 1st ODI Result | England won by 89 runs |
| 2nd ODI | 24 September 2026, Headingley |
| Series Situation | Sri Lanka need a win to level the series |
England Team News
England head into the second ODI with a 1-0 series lead after their strong all-round performance in the opening match.
England’s first ODI XI produced the desired result, with Harry Brook, Will Jacks and the bowling attack combining effectively to secure an 89-run victory. The same core group is expected to remain central to the second ODI at Headingley.
Will Jacks is likely to attract particular attention after his unbeaten 46 and career-best ODI figures of 5/22 in the opening match. His contribution gives England an additional all-round option in the middle order and with the ball.
Phil Salt remains unavailable because of a right quad injury, while Jacob Bethell is continuing his recovery from knee surgery. England also have spin options to consider, including Rehan Ahmed and Adil Rashid, although the final XI will be confirmed at the toss.
Harry Brook, Joe Root and Jos Buttler provide further experience in the batting group, while Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson and Josh Tongue form part of a pace attack that restricted Sri Lanka to 176 in the first ODI.
Sri Lanka Team News
Sri Lanka will look to respond after losing the opening ODI by 89 runs and level the three-match series at Headingley.
Kusal Mendis returned to Sri Lanka’s ODI side for the series against England after missing the preceding T20Is because of a right hamstring issue. He led the team in the first ODI and contributed 40 runs during the chase.
Dunith Wellalage was another positive from the opening match. He scored 45 from 36 balls, including five fours and two sixes, but Sri Lanka’s chase lost momentum as England continued to take wickets through the middle and lower order.
Sachindu Colombage made his ODI debut in the first match and returned figures of 3/44. His performance provides Sri Lanka with another bowling option heading into the second game.
Sri Lanka’s squad also includes experienced players such as Pathum Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana and Dushmantha Chameera. The final playing XI for the second ODI will be confirmed at the toss.
England vs Sri Lanka 2nd ODI: Expected Playing XI
Both teams have established cores, but the final playing XIs will be confirmed at the toss in Leeds.
England Expected XI
England are expected to retain much of the XI that won the opening ODI. Harry Brook, Tom Banton, Ben Duckett and Joe Root form the main batting group, with Jos Buttler and Will Jacks providing additional middle-order options.
Jamie Overton, Rehan Ahmed, Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer and Josh Tongue complete the expected bowling group, although England’s final combination could depend on the conditions at Headingley.
Sri Lanka Expected XI
Sri Lanka are expected to continue with Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis and Charith Asalanka among their key batting options. Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana and Dunith Wellalage add all-round and spin resources.
Dushmantha Chameera and the remaining pace options will be important with the new ball. Sachindu Colombage could also retain his place after taking 3/44 on ODI debut.
| Team | Expected Playing XI |
|---|---|
| England | Tom Banton, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Harry Brook (C), Jos Buttler, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Rehan Ahmed, Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue |
| Sri Lanka | Kusal Mendis (C), Pathum Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Sachindu Colombage and other squad members to be confirmed at the toss |
These are expected combinations rather than confirmed XIs. Official team selections will be announced at the toss before the second ODI.
England vs Sri Lanka 2nd ODI: Headingley Pitch Report
Headingley offers a different challenge from Riverside, with bounce, movement and a generally good surface for stroke-making once batters settle.
Headingley in Leeds is traditionally known for a surface that can provide useful pace and bounce. The new ball can offer movement for fast bowlers, particularly when conditions are overcast, while the pitch generally becomes more comfortable for established batters.
Historical ODI data suggests that Headingley has produced competitive first-innings totals, with batting becoming more manageable once the initial movement is negotiated. Spinners can also become relevant through the middle overs as the innings develops.
| Venue | Headingley, Leeds |
|---|---|
| Pitch Character | Good bounce with potential early movement |
| Batting | Generally improves once batters settle |
| Fast Bowling | Early seam and bounce can be useful |
| Spin | Can play a role during the middle overs |
The exact behavior of the surface will depend on preparation and match-day conditions. The toss and the final pitch assessment from the teams will provide the clearest indication of how Headingley is playing on September 24.
England vs Sri Lanka 2nd ODI: Weather & Conditions
Match-day conditions in Leeds could influence how the Headingley surface behaves, particularly during the early stages of the innings.
The second ODI is scheduled for Thursday, September 24 at Headingley, Leeds. Weather conditions will be worth monitoring because cloud cover, humidity and wind can influence movement for the new-ball bowlers.
If the conditions provide assistance early in the innings, England and Sri Lanka’s top-order batters may need to spend time adjusting before playing more expansive strokes. A clearer and drier period could make stroke-making easier as the innings progresses.
The latest match-day forecast should be checked closer to the start of play, as conditions in Leeds can change during the day. Any risk of rain or interruptions could also affect the timing and playing conditions of the ODI.
| Match Date | 24 September 2026 |
|---|---|
| Venue | Headingley, Leeds |
| Start Time | 12:30 PM Local / 5:00 PM IST |
| Key Factors | Cloud cover, humidity, wind and rain risk |
England vs Sri Lanka 2nd ODI: Key Player Battles
Several individual contests could shape the second ODI at Headingley, particularly during the powerplay and middle overs.
Jofra Archer vs Pathum Nissanka
Archer’s pace and bounce will provide an early challenge for Sri Lanka’s top order. Nissanka’s ability to handle the new ball could be important if Sri Lanka are to build a strong platform.
Will Jacks vs Sri Lanka’s Middle Order
Jacks enters the match after taking 5/22 in the opening ODI. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball gives England an additional option through the middle overs.
Wanindu Hasaranga vs England’s Middle Order
Hasaranga’s leg-spin could be an important matchup against England’s middle order. Harry Brook, Jos Buttler and Will Jacks will be among the batters Sri Lanka need to manage during this phase.
Joe Root vs Sri Lanka’s Spinners
Root’s experience against spin will be particularly relevant if Sri Lanka use Hasaranga, Theekshana and Wellalage together during the middle overs.
England vs Sri Lanka 2nd ODI: Recent Form
England enter the second ODI with a 1-0 lead, while Sri Lanka need a response after the opening match at Riverside Ground.
England
England won the first ODI by 89 runs after scoring 265 all out and bowling Sri Lanka out for 176 in 37 overs. Will Jacks starred with an unbeaten 46 and career-best ODI figures of 5/22, while Harry Brook scored 67.
The ODI series followed England’s 3-0 T20I series victory over Sri Lanka, giving the hosts a strong recent record across the white-ball matches in this tour.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s first ODI ended in an 89-run defeat despite contributions from Kusal Mendis and Dunith Wellalage. Mendis scored 40, while Wellalage made 45 from 36 balls.
Sri Lanka will need a more consistent batting effort in the second ODI, particularly after losing wickets regularly during the middle stages of the chase in the opening match.
| Team | Latest ODI Result | Series Position |
|---|---|---|
| England | Beat Sri Lanka by 89 runs | Lead 1-0 |
| Sri Lanka | Lost to England by 89 runs | Trail 0-1 |
England vs Sri Lanka: Head-to-Head Record
England and Sri Lanka have a long ODI history, with their recent meetings providing useful context ahead of the second ODI at Headingley.
England and Sri Lanka have faced each other regularly in ODI cricket, including during bilateral series and major ICC tournaments. Their recent meetings have also included the 2026 series, with England winning the opening ODI by 89 runs.
England’s recent white-ball results against Sri Lanka also include a 3-0 T20I series sweep immediately before the ODI series. However, ODI head-to-head records cover a much longer period and should be viewed separately from the current series form.
| Current ODI Series | England lead 1-0 |
|---|---|
| Latest ODI Meeting | England won by 89 runs |
| Latest ODI Venue | Riverside Ground, Chester-le-Street |
| Next ODI Meeting | 24 September 2026, Headingley |
The historical head-to-head record provides background, but the current series position, team selections and conditions at Headingley are more directly relevant to the second ODI.
England vs Sri Lanka 2nd ODI: Key Players to Watch
Players from both sides who could have a major role in the second ODI at Headingley.
Will Jacks — England
Jacks was the standout performer in the opening ODI, scoring an unbeaten 46 and taking 5/22. His all-round contribution gives England an important option in both innings.
Harry Brook — England
Brook scored 67 in the first ODI and provided stability during England’s innings. His role in the middle order will again be important at Headingley.
Jofra Archer — England
Archer remains one of England’s main pace options. The bounce and potential early movement at Headingley could make his opening spell particularly significant.
Kusal Mendis — Sri Lanka
Mendis returned to the ODI side and scored 40 in the first match. As Sri Lanka’s captain, his contribution at the top of the order will be important in the second ODI.
Dunith Wellalage — Sri Lanka
Wellalage top-scored for Sri Lanka with 45 from 36 balls in the opening ODI. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes him an important player for the visitors.
Wanindu Hasaranga — Sri Lanka
Hasaranga provides Sri Lanka with an experienced spin and all-round option. His middle-overs role could be important against England’s strong batting group.
England vs Sri Lanka 2nd ODI: Match Scenario
The second ODI at Headingley carries different objectives for the two teams after England’s 1-0 start to the series.
England enter the match with the advantage of a 1-0 series lead. Another win would give them an unassailable position in the three-match ODI series and secure the series victory.
Sri Lanka face a different situation. A win at Headingley would level the series at 1-1 and take the contest into the deciding third ODI. Their batting will need to provide greater consistency after the team was dismissed for 176 in the opening match.
Conditions at Headingley could also make the early overs important. England’s pace attack will look to use the new ball, while Sri Lanka have spin and all-round options for the middle overs.
| Team | Current Position | Impact of Result |
|---|---|---|
| England | Lead series 1-0 | Win secures the ODI series |
| Sri Lanka | Trail series 0-1 | Win levels the series 1-1 |
England vs Sri Lanka 2nd ODI: What’s at Stake
The second ODI could decide the series or set up a final match at The Oval, depending on the result at Headingley.
England lead the three-match ODI series 1-0 after their 89-run victory in the opening match. A second consecutive win would give England the series, leaving the final ODI with no effect on the series winner.
For Sri Lanka, the objective is to level the contest. A victory at Headingley would make the series 1-1 and keep the outcome undecided until the third ODI.
| Result | Series Position |
|---|---|
| England win | England win the three-match ODI series |
| Sri Lanka win | Series becomes 1-1 |
| No result / tie | England retain their 1-0 lead |
The third ODI is scheduled for September 27 at The Oval in London, making the Headingley result central to how the series develops.
England vs Sri Lanka 2nd ODI FAQs
Key questions about the second ODI between England and Sri Lanka at Headingley.
The second ODI will be played on Thursday, September 24, 2026.
The match will be played at Headingley in Leeds, England.
The match is scheduled to start at 12:30 PM local time, which is 5:00 PM IST.
England lead the three-match ODI series 1-0 after winning the opening match by 89 runs.
Will Jacks starred in the first ODI with an unbeaten 46 and career-best ODI bowling figures of 5/22.
Yes. A Sri Lanka victory would make the three-match series 1-1 and leave the outcome to the third ODI.
The final playing XIs are expected to be confirmed at the toss before the second ODI.
England vs Sri Lanka 2nd ODI: Final Preview
England lead 1-0, while Sri Lanka need a win at Headingley to keep the three-match ODI series alive.
England head into the second ODI after an 89-run victory in the opening match. Will Jacks’ all-round performance, Harry Brook’s 67 and a disciplined bowling display gave England a strong start to the series.
Sri Lanka will need a stronger batting performance after being dismissed for 176 in the first ODI. Kusal Mendis, Dunith Wellalage and the bowling attack remain important parts of their response at Headingley.
The move to Headingley brings different pitch and weather considerations, with early movement and bounce potentially important before batting conditions settle. The final playing XIs and match-day conditions will be confirmed closer to the start.
| Match | England vs Sri Lanka, 2nd ODI |
|---|---|
| Date | 24 September 2026 |
| Venue | Headingley, Leeds |
| Series | England lead 1-0 |
| 1st ODI | England won by 89 runs |
The second ODI therefore carries clear series significance: England can secure the series with another win, while Sri Lanka can level the contest and take it to a deciding third ODI.
Sources
Key sources used for the England vs Sri Lanka 2nd ODI preview and series context.
- England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) — England squad and team updates for the Sri Lanka series.
- International Cricket Council (ICC) — England and Sri Lanka squad information and series updates.
- ESPNcricinfo — England vs Sri Lanka match information, recent meetings and head-to-head context.
- AFP — Report and player details from the first ODI at Riverside Ground.
- SportsDunia — Historical Headingley pitch and venue information.
Final playing XIs, toss information and any late injury or weather updates should be checked again on match day, as these details can change before the start of play.
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